Swangz Avenue has announced the return of Uganda’s most celebrated lifestyle music festival, Roast and Rhyme, with a new date and venue confirmed during a press conference held at Hockey Grounds, Lugogo.
The much-anticipated Reggae Ragga Nyam Nyam edition, originally scheduled for February 23rd at Jahazi Pier Munyonyo, was postponed due to unforeseen venue challenges. It is now set to take place on Sunday, June 1st, in the heart of Kampala, offering fans a new urban festival experience at Lugogo’s iconic Hockey Grounds.
This will be the 23rd edition of Roast and Rhyme, a testament to its longevity, consistency, and deep-rooted connection with its audience. Since its launch in 2016, the festival has grown from a Sunday hangout to become Uganda’s most iconic celebration of music, food, and culture.
What began as a casual afternoon event has now blossomed into a pillar of Uganda’s live entertainment scene. Over the years, it has hosted the biggest names in Ugandan music, championed emerging talents, and attracted thousands of music lovers, foodies, and lifestyle enthusiasts.
“Roast and Rhyme isn’t just a concert — it’s a lifestyle gathering. We’re bringing Kampala together for a day of roast, rhythm, and relaxation. If you missed the beach edition, this is your moment to vibe in the city,” said Julius Kyazze of Swangz Avenue.
Roast and Rhyme has had a significant impact on the Ugandan creative industry. It has consistently provided a platform for artists to showcase their talent, connect with fans, and build live performance credibility. The festival has also created jobs and opportunities for local vendors, production crews, caterers, creatives, and small businesses — contributing directly to the creative economy and event tourism.
Moreover, the festival has become a social melting pot, bringing together different communities to celebrate what makes Uganda culturally rich: music, food, fashion, and connection. With every edition, Roast and Rhyme not only entertains but also nurtures local talent, drives youth engagement, and promotes artistic collaboration across genres and generations.
The press conference, held on-site at the new venue, was attended by the Swangz Avenue leadership team including Julius Kyazze and Benon Mugumbya, as well as headline artists Winnie Nwagi, Karole Kasita, and Fyno UG. Members of the media, event sponsors, influencers, and fans also turned up in support.
The artists reaffirmed their commitment to giving fans electrifying performances on June 1st and thanked the public for their patience following the postponement. To appreciate this loyalty, all valid tickets from the February date will still be honored, and each ticket holder will now receive one extra ticket for free, allowing them to bring a friend along for the city experience.
Tickets are now on sale at Shs100,000 for standard and Shs200,000 for VVIP. They can be purchased via the FlexiPay app or by dialing *291# on mobile money.
The move to the Hockey Grounds in Lugogo brings a fresh dynamic to the festival, making it more accessible, centrally located, and ready to welcome even more fans from across Kampala and beyond. With the city skyline as the backdrop and a lineup of the hottest performers, DJs, and food vendors, the June 1st edition promises to be the biggest and most vibrant Roast and Rhyme yet.
Fans can expect the signature live music, fire-grilled meats, sunset vibes, fashion moments, and the kind of feel-good energy that only Roast and Rhyme delivers.
